Student/Parent Handbook

The School Board governs the school district and is elected by the community.

• Seven elected members serve for four‐year staggered terms

• The Board elects its President and Vice‐President from among its members

• The Board represents the community, serves the best interest of the children of the district, and are non‐paid representatives

Current School Board Members are:

• Tom Simmons, President

• Katie Anderson, Vice President

• Maria Kuhlman

• Dr. Jaini Mody

• Rebecca Olson

• Ankit Patel

• Monica Slavin

Board of Education group email: mailto:Bd.of.Educ@emsd63.org

Functions of the Board:

• Establishes the philosophy of the District and passes policies to carry out this philosophy

• Hires and releases all personnel upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools

• Conducts necessary business at open meetings (The public is welcome to attend; however, we now provide a live stream of the meeting. Public comment is allowed at the beginning of the meeting)

• Receives and reviews reports from staff

• Conducts executive or closed sessions to discuss matters such as personnel or students, negotiations, acquisition of real estate, pending litigation, etc.

The Superintendent:

• Serves as the chief executive officer of the Board

• Is responsible for the daily operation of the school system

• Carries out the policies of the Board

• Manages the school in conformance with the Illinois School Code

Diligent Community

The Board of Education utilizes a paperless agenda called Diligent Community. On this site, you may view current meetings, board briefs, and official board minutes.

 Board Meeting Dates

The Board of Education of East Maine School District 63, Maine Township, Cook County, Illinois, on May 1, 2025, approved the following schedule of regular meetings of the Board of Education. Unless otherwise notified, all meetings will be held at the Educational Service Center, 10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines.

All visitors, including parents and siblings, are required to enter through the front door of the building and proceed immediately to the main office. Visitors should identify themselves and inform office personnel of their reason for being at school.

Visitors must sign in, identifying their name, the date and time of arrival, and the classroom or location they are visiting. Approved visitors must take a tag identifying themselves as a guest and place the tag on their outer clothing in a clearly visible location. Visitors are required to proceed immediately to their location in a quiet manner. All visitors must return to the main office and sign out before leaving the school.

Any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period.

Visitors are expected to abide by all school rules during their time on school property. A visitor who fails to conduct himself or herself in a manner that is appropriate will be asked to leave and may be subject to criminal penalties for trespassing and/or disruptive behavior.

No person on school property or at a school event shall perform any of the following acts:

1. Strike, injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, board member, sports official or coach, or any other person.
2. Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner or use vulgar or obscene language.
3. Unless specifically permitted by State law, possess a weapon, any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or looks like a weapon, or any dangerous device.
4. Damage or threaten to damage another’s property.
5. Damage or deface school property.
6. Violate any Illinois law or municipal, local or county ordinance.
7. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products.
8. Distribute, consume, use, possess, or be impaired by or under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug.
9. Be present when the person’s alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug consumption is detectible, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred.
10. Use or possess medical cannabis, unless he or she has complied with Illinois’ Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act and district policies.
11. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner).
12. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the board.
13. Operate a motor vehicle: (a) in a risky manner, (b) in excess of 20 miles per hour, or (c) in violation of an authorized district employee’s directive.
14. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding.
15. Violate other district policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or district employee.
16. Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the district or a school function.

Any person who engages in prohibited conduct may be ejected from or denied admission to school property in accordance with State law. The person may also be subject to being denied admission to school athletic or extracurricular events for up to one calendar year.

Visitor Aware - East Maine 63 uses the Visitor Aware Management System to screen all visitors, which is explicitly designed to help secure schools. It ensures that only safe visitors are granted access to all locations in the district. This provides an additional layer of security for your children by validating the identities of anyone entering the premises, determining if they are a potential threat, and keeping accurate records of all school visits.

Visitors are required to have a valid state-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or a state ID, to check in and ensure the accuracy of the information provided. Valid identification is also used to ensure that the person checking in is the same as the ID holder.

The following information is collected during an initial check-in or an information refresh:

• ID Number
• First Name
• Middle Name    
• Last Name
• ID Expiration Date
• Date of Birth
• Address
• Sex
• Photograph

What kind of identification is required?

• A valid, non-expired state-issued identification plastic card with a photo of you. Photos of ID and/or screenshots of state IDs will not be accepted.  

Alternative Options – Accepted, but not recommended - require staff-assisted check-in:

• Green Cards
• Passport 
• Mexican Consular ID Card
• Military Identification Card

Without acceptable identification, for the safety of our students and staff, access to the building may be denied.

Visitors must present one of the above-mentioned items in exchange for a visitor’s pass, which must be worn at all times while visiting classrooms or other building areas. Upon signing out of the school, the ID will be returned to the individual in exchange for the visitor’s pass. 

Access to General Education Classrooms and Personnel - School visitation days are scheduled by the District each year, and parents are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to visit their child’s classes and interact with teachers and other building staff. Classroom visits on other days will be considered on an individual basis taking into consideration such factors as the reason for the requested visit, the number and nature of visits previously granted, the cumulative number of visits made to a particular classroom, the potential disruption to the learning environment and the best interests of the class as a whole. Avoiding disruption to the classroom during instructional time is of paramount consideration. Only parents or legal guardians will be considered for classroom visits, no more than once per school quarter for up to one hour or one class period.

Requests for classroom visits must be presented in advance to the building principal for review and consideration using form 6:120-AP2.E3 Request to Access Classroom(s) or Personnel for General Education. For classroom observations of students receiving or being evaluated for special education services, please see Policy 6:120 Education of Children with Disabilities and 6:120-AP2.E1. Request to Access Classroom(s) or Personnel for Special Education Evaluation and/or Observation Purposes.

If a request is approved, all visitors must comply with:

• School safety, security, visitation policies, and all directives from building staff.
• Applicable privacy laws, including those laws protecting the confidentiality of education records such as the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Illinois School Student Records Act.
• Board Policy 8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property. Visitors may not disrupt the educational process.

In cases of bad weather and other local emergencies, please listen to any local radio or television station to be advised of school closings or early dismissals. School closings for any reason will be announced as early as possible. If bad weather or other emergency occurs during the day, please listen to local media stations for possible early dismissal information.

For your child’s safety, make certain your child knows ahead of time where to go in case of an early dismissal. If we dismiss early for an emergency, all after-school functions are automatically cancelled.

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities are available to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, military status, unfavorable military discharge, reproductive health decisions, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy.

No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

Any student or parent/guardian with a sex equity or equal opportunity concern should contact:

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: 
Dr. Shawn Schleizer, Superintendent 

Complaint Managers: 
Dr. Jake Chung, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Erin Sterling, Director of Multilingual Services 
10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
847.299.1900

Any student may file a sex discrimination complaint under the District’s Title IX Grievance Procedure. Any student may file a sex equity complaint under the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the Board’s decision to the Regional Superintendent and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education.

Parents new to the community may call the Educational Service Center at 847‐299‐1900 for information about where their child will attend school. They may also search the D63 website at www.emsd63.org and use the School Locator map to check boundary lines.

Enrollment is held throughout the school year at the school your student will attend. Parents/guardians of students enrolling in the District for the first time must present:

1. A certified copy of the student’s birth certificate or a signed, notarized affidavit and other reliable proof of the child’s identity and age.
2. Proof of residence, as required by Board Policy 7:60 Residence.
3. Proof of disease immunization or detection and the required physical examination, as required by state law and Board Policy 7:100, Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students.

To be eligible for admission to kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of the year the child will enroll. Children who enter first grade must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 of the year the child will enroll.

Establishing Student Residency – You must provide documentation showing the student and legal guardian PHYSICALLY RESIDE at the address. All documents must be current and show the parent's or guardian's name and address. Any personal information (account numbers, etc.) that does not relate to your proof of residency can be blacked out.

Category I (One document required)

• Homeowners:
  • Mortgage papers
  • Most recent month’s mortgage statement
  • Form 1098
  • New homeowners (last 6 months) - Closing Disclosure for the purchase of the home
  • Most recent property tax bill AND *proof of payment, e.g., canceled check
• Renters
  • Lease agreement signed by both parties AND *proof of last month's rent payment.
  • In lieu of lease - Letter of Residence from Landlord in Lieu of Lease (7:60-AP2, E1) AND *proof of last month's rent payment. (Contact the school office for this form.)
• Living with a District Resident
  • I am living with someone else who is the homeowner or lease tenant - Letter of Residence to be Used When the Person Seeking to Enroll a Student is Living with a District Resident (7:60-AP2, E2). If you select this option, you will be required to complete additional residency requirements. (Contact the school office for this form.)

Category II (Two documents)

• Current Driver’s License    
• Current State of Illinois ID Card    
• Vehicle registration  
• Current bank statement or welcome letter from the bank, which must include the name and address of the parent/guardian
• Most recent month’s cable television, internet, and telephone bill
•  Current credit card bill  
• Current public aid card    
• Voter registration or moving van rental
• Most recent month’s gas, electric, and/or water bill or welcome letter from the utility company, which must include the name and address of the parent/guardian
•  Current homeowners/renters insurance policy and premium payment receipt

Military Personnel enrolling a student for the first time in the district, enrollment based on the determination of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and/or students eligible for enrollment under the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act, please speak with the building principal.

*Proof of payment can include copy of front and back of cleared check from bank, copy of money order, copy of cashier's check, payment receipt with landlord's signature and phone number, or an electronic payment receipt with information corresponding to information in the Category I document.

Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusions of Students (Policy 7:100) A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall present proof that the student received a health examination, with proof of the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases, as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health, within one year before:

1. Entering kindergarten or the first grade;
2. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and
3. Enrolling in an Illinois school, regardless of the student’s grade

More information is provided on the Health Services page of our website. 

In order to assure student health and safety, animals are not allowed on school property, except in the case of a service animal accompanying a student or other individual with a documented disability. This rule may be temporarily waived by the building principal in the case of an educational opportunity for students, provided that (a) the animal is appropriately housed, humanely cared for, and properly handled, and (b) students will not be exposed to a dangerous animal or an unhealthy environment.

Child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations harm students, their parent/guardian, the District’s environment, its school communities, and the community at large, while diminishing a student’s ability to learn.

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse include the following.
 

Physical signs:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other genital infections
• Signs of trauma to the genital area, such as unexplained bleeding, bruising, or blood on the sheets, underwear, or other clothing
• Unusual weight gain or loss

Behavioral signs:

• Excessive talk about or knowledge of sexual topics
• Keeping secrets
• Not talking as much as usual
• Not wanting to be left alone with certain people or being afraid to be away from primary caregivers
• Regressive behaviors or resuming behaviors that the child had grown out of, such as thumb sucking or bedwetting
• Overly compliant behavior
• Sexual behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age
• Spending an unusual amount of time alone
• Trying to avoid removing clothing to change or bathe

Emotional signs:

• Change in eating habits or unhealthy eating patterns, like loss of appetite or excessive eating
• Signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
• Change in mood or personality, such as increased aggression
• Decrease in confidence or self-image
• Anxiety, excessive worry, or fearfulness
• Increase in unexplained health problems such as stomach aches and headaches
• Loss or decrease in interest in school, activities, and friends
• Nightmares or fear of being alone at night
• Self-harming behaviors or expressing thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
• Failing grades
• Drug or alcohol use

Warning Signs of Grooming Behaviors

School and District employees are expected to maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels.

Prohibited grooming is defined as (i) any act, including but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, (ii) by an employee with direct contact with a student, (iii) that is directed toward or with a student to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the student. Examples of grooming behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors:

• Sexual or romantic invitations to a student
• Dating or soliciting a date from a student
• Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialogue with a student
• Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student
• Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
• Sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with a student
• Failing to respect boundaries or listening when a student says “no”
• Engaging in touching that a student or student’s parents/guardians have indicated as unwanted
• Trying to be a student’s friend rather than filling an adult role in the student’s life
• Failing to maintain age-appropriate relationships with students
• Talking with students about personal problems or relationships
• Spending time alone with a student outside of their role in the student’s life or making up excuses to be alone with a student
• Expressing unusual interest in a student’s sexual development, such as commenting on sexual characteristics or sexualizing normal behaviors
• Giving a student gifts without occasion or reason
• Spending a lot of time with a student
• Restricting a student’s access to other adults

Warning Signs of Boundary Violations

School and District employees breach employee-student boundaries when they misuse their position of power over a student in a way that compromises the student’s health, safety, or general welfare. Examples of boundary violations include:

• Favoring a certain student by inviting the student to “hang out” or by granting special privileges
• Engaging in peer-like behavior with a student
• Discussing personal issues with a student
• Meeting with a student off-campus without parent/guardian knowledge and/or permission
• Dating, requesting, or participating in a private meeting with a student (in person or virtually) outside of a professional role
• Transporting a student in a school or private vehicle without administrative authorization
• Giving gifts, money, or treats to an individual student
• Sending a student on personal errands
• Intervening in a serious student problem instead of referring the student to an appropriately trained professional 
• Sexual or romantic invitations toward or from a student
• Taking and using photos/videos of students for non-educational purposes
• Initiating or extending contact with a student beyond the school day in a one-on-one or non-group setting
• Inviting a student to an employee’s home
• Adding a student on personal social networking sites as contacts when unrelated to a legitimate educational purpose
• Privately messaging a student
• Maintaining intense eye contact with a student
• Making comments about a student’s physical attributes, including excessively flattering comments
• Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialogue
• Making sexually suggestive comments directed toward or with a student
• Disclosing confidential information
• Self-disclosure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
• Full frontal hugs
• Invading personal space

If you believe you are a victim of child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, or boundary violations, or you believe that your child is a victim, you should immediately contact the Building Principal, a school counselor, or another trusted adult employee of the School.  

Additional Resources include:

National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)
National Sexual Abuse Chatline at online.rainn.org
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Hotline at 1.800.25.ABUSE (2873)

Parent organizations and booster clubs are invaluable resources to the District’s schools. While parent organizations and booster clubs have no administrative authority and cannot determine District policy, the School Board welcomes their suggestions and assistance.

Parent organizations and booster clubs may be recognized by the Board and permitted to use the District’s name, a District school’s name, or a District school’s team name, or any logo attributable to the District provided they first receive the Superintendent or designee’s express written consent. Consent to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos will generally be granted if the organization or club has by-laws containing the following:

1. The organization’s or club’s name and purpose, such as, to enhance students’ educational experiences, to help meet educational needs of students, to provide extra athletic benefits to students, to assist specific sports teams or academic clubs through financial support, or to enrich extracurricular activities.
2. The rules and procedures under which it operates.
3. An agreement to adhere to all Board policies and administrative procedures.
4. A statement that membership is open and unrestricted, meaning that membership is open to all parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school, District staff, and community members. 
5. A statement that the District is not, and will not be, responsible for the organization’s or club’s business or the conduct of its members, including on any organization or club websites or social media accounts.
6. An agreement to maintain and protect its own finances.
7. A recognition that money given to a school cannot be earmarked for any particular expense. Booster clubs may make recommendations, but cash or other valuable consideration must be given to the District to use at its discretion. The Board’s legal obligation to comply with Title IX by providing equal athletic opportunity for members of both genders will supersede an organization or club’s recommendation.

Permission to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos may be rescinded at any time and does not constitute permission to act as the District’s representative. At no time does the District accept responsibility for the actions of any parent organization or booster club, regardless of whether it was recognized and/or permitted to use any of the above-mentioned names or logos. The Superintendent shall designate an administrative staff member to serve as the recognized liaison to parent organizations or booster clubs. The liaison will serve as a resource person and provide information about school programs, resources, policies, problems, concerns, and emerging issues. Building staff will be encouraged to participate in the organizations.

Faith’s Law Notification - Employee Conduct Standards

School districts are required to include in their student handbook the District’s Employee Code of Professional Conduct. These standards, in part, define appropriate conduct between school employees and students. A copy of these standards can be found in Diligent Community or requested from the Superintendent’s office.

5:120, Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest
5:120-AP2, Employee Conduct Standards

Prevention of Anaphylaxis

While it is not possible for the School or District to completely eliminate the risks of an anaphylactic emergency, the District maintains a comprehensive policy on anaphylaxis prevention, response, and management in order to reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for anaphylactic reactions. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and students who desire more information or who want a copy of the District’s policy may contact the Building Principal.

Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) maintains a resource guide on sexual abuse response and prevention. The guide contains information on and the location of children’s advocacy centers, organizations that provide medical evaluations and treatment to victims of child sexual abuse, organizations that provide mental health evaluations and services to victims and families of victims of child sexual abuse, and organizations that offer legal assistance to and provide advocacy on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse. This guide can be accessed through the ISBE website at www.isbe.net, or you may request a copy of this guide by contacting the district office.

Free and Reduced-Price Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications – The following notification is provided to all households of students at the beginning of each school year as federally required notification regarding eligibility requirements and the application process for the free and reduced-price food services that are listed in Board Policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services, and 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees. This notification is also provided to households of students transferring to the District during the school year. For more information, see www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/unpaid-meal-charges, and/or contact the Building Principal or designee.

Free and Reduced-Price Food Services Eligibility

When the parents/guardians of students are unable to pay for their child(ren)’s meal services, meal charges will apply per a student’s eligibility category and will be processed by the District accordingly.

A student’s eligibility for free and reduced-price food services shall be determined by the income eligibility guidelines, family-size income standards, set annually by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and distributed by the Ill. State Board of Education.

Meal Charges for Meals Provided by the District

The Building Principal and District staff will work jointly to prevent meal charges from accumulating. Every effort to collect all funds due to the District will be made on a regular basis and before the end of the school year. Contact your Building Principal or designee about whether your child(ren)’s charges may be carried over at the end of the school year, i.e., beyond June 30th.

Unpaid meal charges are considered delinquent debt when payment is overdue as defined by Board Policy 4:45, Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery and the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act (105 ILCS 123/). The District will make reasonable efforts to collect charges classified as delinquent debt, including repeated contacts to collect the amounts and, when necessary, requesting that the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) apply for meal benefits to determine if the student qualifies for such benefits under Board Policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services. The District will provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of the student's ability to pay or negative account balance.

When a student’s funds are low and when there is a negative balance, reminders will be provided to the staff, students, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) at regular intervals during the school year. State law allows the Building Principal to contact parents(s)/guardian(s) to attempt collection of the owed money when the amount owed is more than the amount of five lunches [or insert lower amount]. If a parent/guardian regularly fails to provide meal money for the child(ren) that he/she is responsible for in the District and does not qualify for free meal benefits or refuses to apply for such benefits, the Building Principal or designee will direct the next course of action. Continual failure to provide meal money may require the District to notify the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and/or take legal steps to recover the unpaid meal charges, up to and including seeking an offset under the State Comptroller Act, if applicable.

All school volunteers must complete the Resource Person and Volunteer Information Form and Waiver of Liability AP6:250.E and be approved by the building principal prior to assisting at the school. Forms are available in the school office. Some teachers utilize parent volunteers in the classroom. The individual teachers make this decision. Teachers who desire parent volunteers will notify parents. For school-wide volunteer opportunities, please contact the building principal.

Volunteers are required to check in and out at the main office and receive a visitor badge before going to their destination.

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities will be provided an opportunity to participate in all school-sponsored services, programs, or activities. Individuals with disabilities should notify the superintendent or building principal if they have a disability that will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required. This notification should occur as far in advance as possible of the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.

Students with Food Allergies

State law requires our school district to annually inform parents of students with life-threatening allergies or life-threatening chronic illnesses of the applicable provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal statutes, state statutes, federal regulations and state rules.

If your student has a life-threatening allergy or life-threatening chronic illness, please notify the building principal.

Federal law protects students from discrimination due to a disability that substantially limits a major life activity. If your student has a qualifying disability, an individualized Section 504 Plan will be developed and implemented to provide the needed supports so that your student can access his or her education as effectively as students without disabilities.

Not all students with life-threatening allergies and life-threatening chronic illnesses may be eligible under Section 504. Our school district also may be able to appropriately meet a student’s needs through other means.

Care of Students with Diabetes

If your child has diabetes and requires assistance with managing this condition while at school and school functions, a Diabetes Care Plan must be submitted to the building principal. Parents/guardians are responsible for and must:

1. Inform the school in a timely manner of any change that needs to be made to the Diabetes Care Plan on file with the school for their child.

2. Inform the school in a timely manner of any changes to their emergency contact numbers or contact numbers of health care providers.

3. Sign the Diabetes Care Plan.

4. Grant consent for and authorize designated School District representatives to communicate directly with the health care provider whose instructions are included in the Diabetes Care Plan.

For further information, please contact the building principal.

Accommodating Breastfeeding Students

Students who choose to breastfeed an infant after returning to school are provided reasonable accommodations. A student who is a nursing mother may take reasonable breaks during the school day to express breast milk or breastfeed her infant. Reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to:

1. Access to a private and secure room, other than a bathroom, to express breast milk or breastfeed an infant.

2. Permission to bring onto school campus a breast pump or other equipment used to express breast milk.

3. Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk.

4. Access to a place to store expressed breast milk safely.

5. Reasonable breaks to accommodate the student’s need to express breast milk or breastfeed an infant child, or attend to health needs associated with breastfeeding (including eating, drinking, or using the restroom).

6. The opportunity to make up work missed due to the student’s use of reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding.

Complaints regarding violations of this procedure should be made to the District’s Complaint Manager or Non-Discrimination Coordinator.

Student Appearance

A student’s appearance, including dress and hygiene, must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. The school does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. The school will not prohibit students from wearing or accessorizing the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural, ethnic, or religious identity or any other protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act. Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance.

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness and prevention are important goals of the school district.

The school district maintains student and parent resources on suicide and depression awareness and prevention. Much of this information, including a copy of the school district’s policy, is posted on the school district website. Information can also be obtained from the school office.

Student wellness, including good nutrition and physical activity, shall be promoted in the District’s educational program, school activities, and meal programs. This policy shall be interpreted consistently with Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). The Superintendent or designee will ensure each school building complies with this policy.

All school‐based activities are to be consistent with the District Wellness Policy and current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. All foods and beverages including vending, concessions, a la carte, student stores, parties, celebrations, treats, snacks, and fundraising are to follow the guidelines outlined in the District 63 Wellness Policy, Policy 6:50 School Wellness and 6:50.E2 Classroom Snacks, Celebrations, and Fundraisers.

• No outside lunch parties during lunch serving hours are permitted per federal regulation (National School Lunch Program).
• Teacher/Staff-Led Incentives
  • Food items are not permitted, unless specified in an education plan, e.g., IEP, 504.
• Daily Classroom Snacks
  • Permitted in preschool.
  • Permitted for students with a medical need, e.g., diabetes.
  • Permitted in all grades at times designated by the principal, e.g., during standardized testing, up to four times a year.
  • Snacks must meet the nutritional guidelines as listed in 6:50.E3 Explanation of Allowable Beverages and Foods under USDA Regulations.
• Holidays (Halloween/Fall Festival, Valentine’s Day Only)
  • Non-food items are encouraged, and treats must meet the nutritional guidelines. Homemade treats are not allowed.
• Birthdays
  • Birthday celebrations must be under teacher supervision, brief in duration, and may not include food items.
• Fundraising
  • May include foods outside the nutritional guidelines only if other options are available for purchase, e.g., healthy foods or non-food items.
  • Off-site food fundraising should be limited to restaurants that offer some healthy choices.
• PTO Events
  • Food served at events held during the school day must meet the nutritional guidelines.
  • Food served at events held outside of the regular school day do not need to meet the nutritional guidelines if parents are present. Eating treats is a parental decision.
  • Food served at events where parents are not present (for example, a dance for older students) must meet the nutritional guidelines.

Invitations & Gifts

Party invitations or gifts for classmates should not be brought to school to be distributed. Items such as these are of a personal nature and should be mailed home using the list in the school directory. The office is unable to release addresses and phone numbers of students who are not listed in the school directory.

Video & Audio Monitoring Systems – A video and/or audio monitoring system may be in use on school buses and a video monitoring system may be in use in public areas of the school building. These systems have been put in place to protect students, staff, visitors and school property. If a discipline problem is captured on audiotape or videotape, these recordings may be used as the basis for imposing student discipline. If criminal actions are recorded, a copy of the tape may be provided to law enforcement personnel.

Attendance

Illinois law requires that whoever has custody or control of any child between six (by September 1st) and seventeen years of age shall assure that the child attends school in the district in which he or she resides, during the entire time school is in session (unless the child has already graduated from high school). Illinois law also requires that whoever has custody or control of a child who is enrolled in the school, regardless of the child’s age, shall assure that the child attends school during the entire time school is in session.

Student Absences

Subject to specific requirements in State law, the following children are not required to attend public school: (1) any child attending a private school (including a home school) or parochial school, (2) any child who is physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), (3) any child lawfully and necessarily employed, (4) any child over 12 and under 14 years of age while in confirmation classes, (5) any child absent because of religious reasons, including to observe a religious holiday, for religious instruction, or because his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day(s) or time of day, and (6) any child 16 years of age or older who is employed and is enrolled in a graduation incentives program.

For students who are required to attend school, there are two types of absences: excused and unexcused. Excused absences include: illness (including up to 5 days per school year for mental or behavioral health of the student), attendance at a verified medical or therapeutic appointment (including a victim services provider), observance of a religious holiday or event, death in the immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the school board, circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or safety, attending a military honors funeral to sound TAPS, attend a civic event, or other reason as approved by the building principal. For students who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence, an excused absence includes the fulfillment of a parenting responsibility and addressing circumstances resulting from domestic or sexual violence. Students eligible to vote are also excused for up to two hours to vote in a primary, special, or general election.

Additionally, a student will be excused for up to 5 days in cases where the student’s parent/guardian is an active-duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat-support postings. The Board of Education, in its discretion, may excuse a student for additional days relative to such leave or deployment. A student and the student’s parent/guardian are responsible for obtaining assignments from the student's teachers prior to any excused absences and for ensuring that such assignments are completed by the student prior to his or her return to school.

Students who are excused from school will be given a reasonable timeframe to make up missed homework and classwork assignments.

All other absences are considered unexcused. Pre-arranged excused absences must be approved by the building principal.

The school may require documentation explaining the reason for the student’s absence.

In the event of any absence, the student’s parent/guardian is required to call the school office before 8:00 a.m. to explain the reason for the absence. If a call has not been made to the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence, a school official will call the home to inquire why the student is not at school. If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be required to submit a signed note from the parent/guardian explaining the reason for the absence. Failure to do so shall result in an unexcused absence. Upon request of the parent/guardian, the reason for an absence will be kept confidential. 

Diagnostic Procedures for Identifying Student Absences and Support Services to Truant or Chronically Truant Students

State law requires every school district to collect and review its chronic absence data and determine what systems of support and resources are needed to engage chronically absent students and their families to encourage the habit of daily attendance and promote success. This review must include an analysis of chronic absence data from each attendance center.

Furthermore, State law provides that school districts are encouraged to provide a system of support to students who are at risk of reaching or exceeding chronic absence levels with strategies and are also encouraged to make resources available to families such as those available through the State Board of Education's Family Engagement Framework to support and engage students and their families to encourage heightened school engagement and improved daily school attendance.

"Chronic absence" means absences that total 10% or more of school days of the most recent academic school year, including absences with and without valid cause, and out-of-school suspensions.

The School and District use the following diagnostic procedures for identifying the causes of unexcused student absences:  Interviews with the student, his or her parent/guardian and any school officials who may have information about the reasons for the student’s attendance problems. 

Supportive services to truant or chronically truant students include: parent conferences, student counseling, family counseling, and information about existing community services. 

Student attendance is critical to academic success. Parents are encouraged to schedule student absences when school is not in session. A parent requesting release time for their child shall communicate, in writing, with the school office. This communication shall include the dates the child will be absent from school as well as the reason for the absence.

Vacations during the school year are discouraged. If students miss school due to vacation, please do not ask the teacher to prepare homework ahead of time for the child to complete on vacation. Teachers base homework assignments on the needs presented by the class, and these often cannot be predicted before the fact. Students who miss school due to vacation will be given a reasonable time to make up the work that the teacher feels is important.

If you need to take your student out of school, this form (Student Absence Request), complete with a signature, must be returned to the principal's office five (5) school attendance days before the planned absence.

Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds during the school day except for those children who go home for lunch. At times, it may be necessary for your child to be excused early from school for dental appointments, family emergencies, etc. Such requests should be directed to the teacher or principal for approval.

Release Time for Religious Instruction and Observance

A student will be released from school, as an excused absence, to observe a religious holiday or for religious instruction. The student’s parent/guardian must give written notice to the building principal at least 5 calendar days before the student’s anticipated absence(s).

Students excused for religious reasons will be given an opportunity to make up all missed work, including homework and tests, for equivalent academic credit.

Make‐Up Work

If a student’s absence is excused or if a student is suspended from school, he/she will be permitted to make up all missed work, including homework and tests, for equivalent academic credit. Students who are unexcused from school will not be allowed to make up missed work.

Truancy

Student attendance is critical to the learning process. Truancy is therefore a serious issue and will be dealt with in a serious manner by the school and district.

Students who miss more than 1% but less than 5% of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause (a recognized excuse) are truant. Students who miss 5% or more of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause are chronic truants. Students who are chronic truants will be offered support services and resources aimed at correcting the truancy issue.

If chronic truancy persists after support services and other resources are made available, the school and district will take further action, including:

• Referral to the truancy officer

• Reporting to officials under the Juvenile Court Act

• Referral to the State’s Attorney

• Appropriate school discipline

A student who misses 15 consecutive days of school without valid cause and who cannot be located or, after exhausting all available support services, cannot be compelled to return to school is subject to expulsion from school.

A parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant is in violation of State law.

Exemption from PE Requirement

In order to be excused from participation in physical education, a student must present an appropriate excuse from his or her parent/guardian or from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act. The excuse may be based on medical or religious prohibitions. An excuse because of medical reasons must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act that corroborates the medical reason for the request. An excuse based on religious reasons must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy that corroborates the religious reason for the request. Upon written notice from a student’s parent/guardian, a student will be excused from engaging in the physical activity components of physical education during a period of religious fasting.

A student in grades 7-8 may submit a written request to the building principal requesting to be excused from physical education courses because of the student’s ongoing participation in an interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program. The building principal will evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis.

Students with an Individualized Education Program may also be excused from physical education courses for reasons stated in the tab labeled Special Education.

Special activities in physical education will be provided for a student whose physical or emotional condition, as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practices Act, prevents his or her participation in the physical education course.

State law prohibits the School District from honoring parental excuses based upon a student’s participation in athletic training, activities, or competitions conducted outside the auspices of the School District.

Students who have been excused from physical education shall return to the course as soon as practical. The following considerations will be used to determine when a student shall return to a physical education course:

1. The time of year when the student’s participation ceases; and

2. The student’s class schedule.

Activity Restrictions in Physical Education (PE) and Recess due to Injury

If your child needs to limit physical activity due to an injury, please follow these guidelines:

• Short-Term Restrictions (Up to 3 Days): A letter from a parent or guardian is required to excuse your child from PE and recess due to an injury.

• Long-Term Restrictions (Beyond 3 Days): A letter from a healthcare provider (MD, DO, APN, or PA) is required and must include:

  • Details regarding the specific health concern.

  • Clearly state the extent of the activity restriction.

  • Provide the date your child can safely resume full physical activity.

• Recess Restrictions: Students with a healthcare provider's restriction from PE will not be allowed to participate in recess. The student will remain in a designated safe area on the playground or indoors with an adult during recess. 

• Sports / Extracurricular Physical Activities: Students restricted from PE due to injury cannot participate in school sports or other physical activities until written clearance from the healthcare provider is provided.

• Orthopedic Devices / Mobility Aids: Students with casts, splints, sutures, boots, crutches, or wheelchairs, etc., may not participate in PE, recess, or school-sponsored physical activities until written clearance from the healthcare provider is provided. If your child uses crutches, scooter, or a wheelchair, please provide a letter from the healthcare provider outlining the parameters for their use.

• Preventative Devices: Students wearing soft splints or braces for preventative purposes may participate in PE with written permission from their healthcare provider.

Requests for Recess Exemption

Fresh air and exercise are vital for your child's health and learning. Our supervised playground offers a safe space for outdoor activity. Students are expected to go outside for recess, weather permitting, as determined by the school using Child Care Weather Watch Guidelines. 

• Short-Term Exemption (1 Day): If the student is recovering from a non-infectious illness, a parent may send a letter or email to the school nurse to excuse the student from recess for one day.

• Long-Term Exemption (Beyond 1 Day): For exemptions longer than one day, a doctor's note is required and must include:

  • Details regarding the specific health concern

  • Length of the exemption, and 

  • Specific minimum temperature for indoor stay (if applicable)

Home & Hospital Instruction

A student who is absent from school, or whose physician, physician assistant or licensed advance practice registered nurse anticipates his or her absence from school, because of a medical condition may be eligible for instruction in the student’s home or hospital.

Appropriate educational services from qualified staff will begin no later than five school days after receiving a written statement from a physician, physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse. Instructional or related services for a student receiving special education services will be determined by the student’s individualized education program.

A student who is unable to attend school because of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, the fulfillment of parenting obligations related to the health of the child, or health and safety concerns arising from domestic or sexual violence will be provided home instruction under the following circumstances:

1. Before the birth of the child when the student’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse indicates, in writing, that she is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction.

2. For up to three months after the child’s birth or a miscarriage.

3. When a student must care for his or her ill child if:

   1. The child's physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse informs the school, in writing, that the child has a serious health condition that would require the student to be absent from school for two or more consecutive weeks; and

   2. The student or the student's parent/guardian informs the school, in writing, that the student needs to care for the child during this period.

4. The student must treat physical or mental health complications or address safety concerns arising from domestic or sexual violence when a health care provider or an employee of the student's domestic or sexual violence organization informs the school in writing that the care is needed by the student and will cause the student's absence from school for two or more consecutive weeks.

The school may reassess home instruction provided to a student under No. 3 or No. 4 every two months to determine the student's continuing need for home instruction.

Periodic conferences will be held between appropriate school personnel, parent(s)/guardian(s), and hospital staff to coordinate coursework and facilitate a student’s return to school.

For information on home or hospital instruction, contact your building principal.

Grading & Promotion

The decision to promote a student to the next grade level is based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance on standardized tests, and other testing. A student will not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance. For questions regarding grades, please contact the classroom teacher.

Homework

Homework is used as a way for students to practice what they have learned in the classroom. The time requirements and the frequency of homework will vary depending on a student’s teacher, ability, and grade level.

Students who are absent from school for a valid cause (an excused absence) may make up missed homework in a reasonable timeframe.

Curriculum

District 63 offers a rigorous curriculum based on the Common Core State Standards and Illinois Learning Standards from the Illinois State Board of Education. These standards define what all students should know and be able to do as a result of their schooling.

District 63 staff continually evaluates curriculum, instruction, and assessment to ensure maximum effectiveness. Decisions are based on current research and best practices in teaching and learning.

All students receive instruction in the fundamental learning areas of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical development/health. Elementary students receive weekly instruction in art, music, and library/STEM. In addition to instruction in the fundamental learning areas shared above, sixth--, seventh--, and eighth-grade students also choose elective classes covering a variety of topics (e.g., art, choir, photography, etc.).

Students in grades 4 through 8 also have the opportunity to participate in band and orchestra.

Technology is used throughout the curriculum as a tool to support student learning. Students at East Maine in grades 3-8 are part of a 1:1 initiative, with each student receiving a Chromebook for use at both home and school. Students in kindergarten through grade 2 have access to Chromebooks at school.

There is comprehensive health instruction for students in grades 5‐8 that incorporates sex education. Family life courses are designed to promote a wholesome and comprehensive understanding of the emotional, psychological, physiological, hygienic, and social responsibility aspects of family life, and the prevention of AIDS.

During registration parents/guardians have the opportunity to receive additional information regarding sex education. They also have the opportunity to decide on student participation. A sample of the District’s instructional materials and course outline for the classes will be available from the classroom teacher for parent/guardian inspection.

According to State law, no student is required to take or participate in these classes. There is no penalty for refusing to participate in the program. If you do not want your child to participate in these classes, you may complete a class attendance waiver statement and return it to your child’s classroom teacher.

Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs

Parents or guardians have the right to inspect all instructional materials used as a part of their child’s education. If you believe that curriculum, instructional materials, or programs violate rights guaranteed by any law or Board policy, you may file a complaint under the District’s uniform grievance policy. Parents or guardians of impacted students with other suggestions or complaints about curriculum, instructional materials, or programs should complete a Curriculum Objection Form, which is available from the school principal. A parent or guardian may also request that their child be exempt from using a particular instructional material or program by completing a Curriculum Objection Form.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

District 63 uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to improve academic and behavioral outcomes for all students. MTSS is a decision-making framework that supports quality core Instruction through data collection and data analysis for all children. MTSS consists of three components.

1. Data Monitoring and Analysis

   1. All students in grades K-8 are screened three times each year in literacy and math.

   2. All students K-8 are screened for internalizing and externalizing behavior risks three times per year as well.

   3. Grade-level teams review data from these screening instruments to determine instructional needs.

   4. Evidence-based curriculum and instruction are provided for all students.

   5. Interventions are provided for identified students for both academic and behavioral needs.

   6. Progress monitoring data is collected to guide academic and behavioral instructional decisions.

2. Systematic Problem Solving 

   1. Observations of student academic and behavioral concerns are examined to determine the root cause.

   2. Decisions are made based on academic and behavioral data.

   3. Plans are developed, implemented, and monitored.

3. Tiered System of Support 

   1. Multiple supports within the general education classroom support differentiated and accelerated learning

   2. Supports are provided in academic, behavioral, and social-emotional learning.

Accelerated Placement

The District provides an Accelerated Placement Program (APP) for qualified students. It provides students with an educational setting with curriculum options that are usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades than the student. Accelerated placement includes but may not be limited to early entrance to kindergarten or first grade, accelerating a student in a single subject, and grade acceleration. Participation is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and may benefit from the accelerated placement. It is not limited to students identified as gifted or talented. Please contact the building principal for additional information.

Fines, Fees, and Charges; Waiver of Student Fees

The school establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities. Students will not be denied the opportunity to participate in curricular and extracurricular programs of the school district due to the inability of their parent or guardian to pay fees or certain charges. Students whose parent or guardian is unable to afford student fees may receive a fee waiver. A fee waiver applies to all fees related to school, instruction, and extracurricular activities. 

Applications for fee waivers may be obtained from the school office and may be submitted by a parent or guardian of a student who has been assessed a fee. A student is eligible for a fee waiver if at least one of the following prerequisites is met:

1. The student currently lives in a household that meets the same income guidelines, with the same limits based on household size, that are used for the federal free meals programs;

2. The student’s parent is a veteran or active-duty military personnel with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.

3. The student is homeless, as defined by the Mc-Kinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

The District Office will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present: 

• An illness in the family;

• Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.;

• Unemployment;

• Emergency situations; or

• When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage.

Within 30 days, the District will notify the parent/guardian promptly as to whether the fee waiver request has been granted or denied along with the appropriate appeal process. If you have questions regarding the fee waiver process, you may contact the Business Office at 847‐299‐1900. 

Pursuant to the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act, the school is required to provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of whether the student has the ability to pay for the meal or snack or owes money for earlier meals or snacks. Students may not be provided with an alternative meal or snack and the school is prohibited from publicly identifying or stigmatizing a student who cannot pay for or owes money for a meal or snack.        

Fines for damage to school property are reviewed and potentially assessed on a case-by-case basis.

School Breakfast & Lunch Program

A reasonably priced breakfast and lunch are available at all six schools. Meals are prepared and packaged at our central kitchen at Gemini Middle School and delivered daily to the other schools. Each meal meets the nutritional guidelines of the National School Lunch Program, and menus provide a variety of meat and non‐meat choices. A monthly menu is available to parents and students on our District website.

Parents can pay for their child's meals by depositing funds in the student's "wallet" account in PushCoin. Families may set up an account in PushCoin to add funds to a student’s meal card for future purchases. They can also review past purchases made by the student. Parents may be eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. In order to qualify, parents can fill out a Free or Reduced‐Price Meal form, available on the Food Service section of our website. The application is also available at the Educational Service Center at 10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines.

District 63 provides a Student Accident insurance program that covers your child for injuries incurred while participating in school-sponsored and supervised activities, including all sports. This insurance is secondary to any other health insurance you may have, and if you have other health insurance, claims must first be submitted to that insurance company. It is important that your child immediately reports to the teacher, nurse, or office staff all accidents that occur during the school day or going to and from school. With regard to reporting a claim, parents can call the Plan Administrator:

Neil H. Zevitz, RHU
312‐346‐7460 (Chicago)
847‐374‐0888 (Suburban Office)

Once a claim has been filed, a parent can check on the claim status by calling the Plan Administrator.

Because accidents also occur away from school, Neil H. Zevitz, RHU offers the following voluntary plans to all students at minimal cost:

• 24-hour coverage – Around-the-clock accident coverage for your child anywhere in the world
  • Protection during vacations, weekends, and school days, as well as all travel
• 24-Hour Dental Accident Insurance. Parents can enroll online at www.k12specialmarkets.com/.

Brochures and applications for these plans are available from the plan administrator. These plans provide secondary coverage and will pay benefits after your primary health insurance has concluded participation in the claim. If you have any questions, please call the Plan Administrator.

Vandalism

The school district will seek restitution from students and their parents/guardians for vandalism or other students’ acts that cause damage to school property.

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

All students are required to present appropriate proof of a health examination and the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases within one year prior to:

1. Entering kindergarten or the first grade;

2. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and

3. Enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time, regardless of the student’s grade.

Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grades 6 and 12. A diabetes screening must be included as part of the health exam (though diabetes testing is not required). Students between the age of one and seven must provide a statement from a physician assuring that the student was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, an age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination.

Failure to comply with the above requirements by the first day of school of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the school, subject to certain exceptions. A student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening.

New students who register mid-term have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization requirements. If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by their first day of school, the student must present, by their first day of school, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by an appropriate medical professional.

Eye Examination

All students entering kindergarten or the school for the first time must present proof by October 15 of the current school year of an eye examination performed within one year. Failure to present proof by October 15, allows the school to hold the student’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15.

Dental Examination

All students entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades must present proof by May 15 of the current school year of having been examined by a licensed dentist within the last 18 months. Failure to present proof allows the school to hold the child’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15.

Exemptions

A student will be exempted from the above requirements for:

1. Medical grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a signed statement explaining the objection;

2. Religious grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a completed Certificate of Religious Exemption;

3. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification;

4. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or

5. Dental examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.

Student Medication

Taking medication during school hours or during school-related activities is prohibited unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing a “School Medication Authorization Form.”

No school or district employee is allowed to administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian.  No student is allowed to possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this procedure.

Self-Administration of Medication

A student may possess and self-administer an epinephrine injector (e.g., EpiPen®) and/or an asthma inhaler or medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form. 

Students who are diabetic may possess and/or self-administer diabetic testing supplies, equipment, and insulin if authorized by the student’s diabetes care plan, which must be on file with the school.

Students with epilepsy may possess and/or self-administer supplies, equipment and medication, if authorized by the student’s seizure action plan, which must be on file with the school.

Students may self-administer (but not possess on their person) other medications required under a qualified plan, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form.

The school district shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication, including asthma medication or epinephrine injectors, or medication required under a qualifying plan. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the school district and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine injector, asthma medication, and/or a medication required under a qualifying plan. 

Administration of Medical Cannabis

In accordance with the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program, qualifying students are allowed to utilize medical cannabis infused products while at school and school events. Please contact the building principal for additional information. Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver pursuant to this procedure is prohibited. The District may not deny a student attendance at a school solely because he or she requires administration of the product during school hours.

Undesignated Medications

The school may maintain the following undesignated prescription medications for emergency use: (1) Asthma medication; (2) Epinephrine injectors; (3) Opioid antagonists; and (4) Glucagon. No one, including without limitation, parents/guardians of students, should rely on the school or district for the availability of undesignated medication. This procedure does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parents/guardians should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s).

Emergency Aid to Students

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

Authorization for Medical Treatment

In the event of a medical emergency and if reasonable attempts to contact me using the telephone numbers listed in the PowerSchool portal are unsuccessful, I, as a parent or legal guardian, understand that medical treatment may be given by a licensed medical physician in the event of a medical emergency that, in the opinion of the attending physician, may endanger his/her life, cause disfigurement, physical impairment, or undue discomfort if delayed. I understand that the transfer of my child to any hospital reasonably accessible will be at my expense. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

 The school will observe recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding communicable diseases.

1. Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has a communicable disease.
2. In certain cases, students with a communicable disease may be excluded from school or sent home from school following notification of the parent or guardian.
3. The school will provide written instructions to the parent and guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the communicable disease.
4. A student excluded because of a communicable disease will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings to the school a letter from the student’s doctor stating that the student is no longer contagious or at risk of spreading the communicable disease.

Head lice are a common issue among school-aged children and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Our school's policy, based on current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), focuses on managing head lice effectively while minimizing disruption to student learning.
Key Points:

• Identification: If head lice are suspected, the school nurse or trained staff will discreetly check the student.
• Parent/Guardian Notification: If live head lice are found, the parent/guardian will be contacted immediately. Information and resources on treatment will be provided.
• Return to School After Treatment:
  • Students with live head lice must be treated at home before returning to school.
  • Upon return, the student will have a quick re-check by the school nurse to confirm no live lice are present.
  • Students with nits (lice eggs) only, and no live lice, may remain in school. However, parents are strongly encouraged to remove nits and monitor their child's scalp daily.
• Confidentiality: All cases are handled confidentially.
• Prevention: Remind your child not to share hats, combs, brushes, or hair accessories. Regular hair checks at home are also recommended.

What Parents/Guardians Should Do:

• Regularly check your child's hair for head lice, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
• If you find live lice, treat your child at home and contact the school nurse before sending your child back to school.

Our policy aligns with current health recommendations to ensure a healthy learning environment for all students. For questions or assistance, please contact the school nurse.

Guidance & Counseling - The school provides a guidance and counseling program for students. The school’s social workers are available to those students who require additional assistance.

Under Illinois law, any student 12 years of age or older may receive counseling services without consent of the student's parent/guardian. However, until the consent of the student’s parent/guardian has been obtained, counseling services provided to a student under the age of 17 are generally limited to not more than eight 90-minute sessions.  

Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct

Safety drills will occur at times established by the school board. Students are required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials during emergency drills. There will be a minimum of three (3) evacuation drills, a minimum of one (1) severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one (1) law enforcement lockdown drill to address a school shooting incident, and a minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. The law enforcement lockdown drill will be announced in advance and a student’s parent/guardian may elect to exclude their child from participating in this drill. All other drills will not be preceded by a warning to students.

Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

Threats and acts of targeted school violence harm the District’s environment and school community, diminishing students’ ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Providing students and staff with access to a safe and secure environment is an important goal of the School and District. While it is not possible to completely eliminate threats, the School and District maintain a Targeted School Violence Prevention Program and a Threat Assessment Team to reduce these risks to its environment.

Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to report any expressed threats or behaviors that may represent a threat to the community, School, or self. Reports can be made to any school administrator, law enforcement authorities, or the Safe2Help Illinois helpline (www.safe2helpil.com/).

Students and parents are urged to participate in behavioral threat assessment and intervention programs if the Behavioral Threat Assessment Team believes that intervention is necessary to prevent a student from harming themselves or others. However, if for some reason there is a reluctance to participate in the process by the threat maker(s) or parent/guardian(s), the threat assessment process will continue in order to ensure a safe and caring learning environment for all.

For further information, please contact the Building Principal.

Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

Domestic and sexual violence affect a student's ability to learn. Students who are parents or expectant parents have unique needs. Providing support services that enable students who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence (Article 26A Students) to succeed in school are important school and district goals and are required by law.

Requesting Support Services

To facilitate the full participation of Article 26A Students, the school district provides in-school support services and information regarding non-school-based support services. Article 26A Students are also able to make up work missed on account of circumstances related to their status as a parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual violence.

In-school support services include, but are not limited to, enabling a student to meet with counselors or other service providers, excusing the student from class as necessary for circumstances consistent with their Article 26A status, and assisting students with the development of a student success plan.

An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may request a complete copy of the District’s policies related to Article 26A Students and information on support services by contacting the Article 26A Resource Person listed below.

Filing a Complaint

An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may file a complaint for violations of this procedure with the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. 

Article 26A Resource Person: Please contact the building Principal.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: 
Dr. Shawn Schleizer, Superintendent 

Complaint Managers: 
Dr. Jake Chung, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Erin Sterling, Director of Multilingual Services 
10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
847.299.1900

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against an Article 26A Student or their parent/guardian for exercising or attempting to exercise their rights under this procedure is prohibited. Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

General Building Conduct

The school is the student's workplace. So that all students and faculty members can work harmoniously together, the following expectations for student behavior are necessary.

1. D63 students are expected to treat everyone with respect and dignity at all times and under all circumstances.

2. D63 students are expected to be on time for classes, be prepared with materials and assignments, and to pursue their learning activities at the highest level of accomplishment of which they are able.

3. D63 students are expected to solve their problems with others in a mature manner, such as seeking assistance from a staff member and/or using conflict resolution techniques and strategies rather than fighting, threats, and/or intimidation, which are behaviors that are specifically identified as infractions in these guidelines.

4. D63 students are expected to treat their building, grounds, and the entire contents of the school with respect and care in a manner that demonstrates they are preserving these physical gifts for the children that follow them in the future.

School Dress Code

Students are expected to wear clothing in a neat, clean, and well-fitting manner while on school property and/or in attendance at school-sponsored activities. Students are to use discretion in their dress and are not permitted to wear apparel that causes a substantial disruption in the school environment. 

Students may not wear clothing that is obscene, lewd, or vulgar, advertises a product or service not permitted to minors by law, and/or is disruptive or unsafe. Dress and grooming must be appropriate for the learning situation rather than distracting to others in the educational process. 

At any time during the day, when a student is found to be wearing inappropriate clothing, the following consequences may result:

1. The student will, if possible, change into appropriate clothing. Clothing displaying inappropriate advertising may be worn inside‐out for that day only.

2. The student’s parent/guardian will be called to either bring the student a change of clothing or take the student home to change.

3. If the parent/guardian is unavailable, the student will be required to remain in the office area for the remainder of that day. 

4. If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the building principal will make the final decision.

5. A student whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff, or others may be subject to discipline.

Cafeteria Rules

1. Students shall not save seats for other students.

2. Students shall walk to lunch and shall be orderly and quiet during lunch.

3. Trays not returned. No food shall leave the cafeteria.

4. Loud talking, yelling, screaming, and other disruptions are prohibited.

5. Students shall not throw food, milk cartons, or other items.

6. Students shall not trade food.

7. Students shall follow the instructions of the lunchroom aides and show proper respect toward all cafeteria personnel.

8. Students shall remain seated while in the cafeteria except to return to the lunch line or return trays.

9. Students shall immediately become silent when staff or presenters make announcements in the cafeteria.

10. Students shall report spills and broken containers to cafeteria staff immediately.

11. Students shall be dismissed from the cafeteria by the lunchroom supervisor.

Misbehavior will result in disciplinary action according to the school’s disciplinary procedures.

Field Trips

Field trips are a privilege for students. Students must abide by all school policies during transportation and during field-trip activities, and shall treat all field-trip locations as though they are school grounds. Failure to abide by school rules and/or location rules during a field trip may subject the student to discipline. All students who wish to attend a field trip must receive written permission from a parent or guardian with authority to give permission. Students may be prohibited from attending field trips for any of the following reasons:

• Failure to receive appropriate permission from parent/guardian or teacher;

• Failure to complete appropriate coursework;

• Behavioral or safety concerns;

• Denial of permission from administration;

• Other reasons as determined by the school.

Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee

The Superintendent or his designee, with input from a parent‐teacher advisory committee, shall prepare disciplinary rules implementing the District's disciplinary policies. These disciplinary rules shall be presented annually to the Board for its review and approval.

Student Behavior

Copies of all School District policies on student behavior are available online through Diligent Community.

Prohibited Student Conduct

Students may be disciplined for gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to the following:

1. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling or offering tobacco or nicotine materials, including electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens or other vaping related products.

2. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages. Students who are under the influence of an alcoholic beverage are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had alcohol in their possession.

3. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling or offering for sale: 

   1. Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana, hashish, and medical cannabis unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law).

   2. Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.

   3. Any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois High School Association’s most current banned substance list unless administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.

   4. Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a physician or licensed practitioner, or when used in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or prescribing physician’s or licensed practitioner’s instructions. The use or possession of medical cannabis, even by a student for whom medical cannabis has been prescribed, is prohibited unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law.

   5. Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system. The prohibition in this section does not apply to a student’s use of asthma or other legally prescribed inhalant medications.

   6. “Look-alike” or counterfeit drugs, including a substance that is not prohibited by this policy, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy; or (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug, controlled substance or other substance that is prohibited by this policy.

   7. Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances.

   8. Any substance inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed or otherwise ingested or absorbed with the intention of causing a physiological or psychological change in the body, including without limitation, pure caffeine in a tablet or powdered form.

Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they have the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.

4. Using, possessing, controlling or transferring a “weapon” or violating the procedures listed below under the Weapons Prohibition section of this handbook procedure.

5. Using or possessing an electronic paging device.

6. Using a cellular telephone, smartphone, smartwatch, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or similar electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the building principal, all cellular phones, smartphones and other electronic devices must be kept powered-off and and kept in the students locker during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); (c) or it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.

7. Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.

8. Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials. Examples of disobeying staff directives include refusing a staff member’s request to stop, present school identification or submit to a search.

9. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.

10. Engaging in bullying, hazing or any kind of aggressive behavior/gestures that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student or encouraging other students to engage in such behavior. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying using a school computer or a school computer network or other comparable conduct.

11. Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning) and sexual assault.

12. Engaging in teen dating violence.

13. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing, or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.

14. Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization.

15. In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (calling 9-1-1); signaling or setting off alarms or signals indicating the presence of an emergency; or indicating the presence of a bomb or explosive device on school grounds, school bus or at any school activity.

16. Being absent without a recognized excuse.

17. Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society.

18. Being involved in a gang or engaging in gang-like activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.

19. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism and hazing.

20. Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

21. Making an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.

22. Operating an unarmed aircraft system (AUS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the building principal.

23. Sexting, which, for purposes of this procedure, is the act of creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing sexually explicit messages, images, or videos electronically, regardless of whether they are authentic or computer-generated, through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone. Sexting also includes creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing indecent visual depictions, non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, and non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit digitized depictions, as defined in State law.

For purposes of these rules, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event; or (e) in the case of drugs and alcohol, substances ingested by the person.

Efforts, including the use of positive interventions and supports shall be made to deter students, while at school or a school-related event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or psychological harm to someone else.

No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student.

When and Where Conduct Rules Apply

The grounds for disciplinary action also apply whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including but not limited to:

1. On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;

2. Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;

3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; 

4. Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property; or

5. During periods of remote learning.

Disciplinary Measures

School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and out-of-school suspensions to the greatest extent practicable, and, where practicable and reasonable, shall consider forms of non-exclusionary discipline before using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions. School personnel shall not advise or encourage students to drop out of school voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties. Potential disciplinary measures include, without limitation, any of the following measures:

1. Notifying parents/guardians.

2. Disciplinary conference.

3. Withholding of privileges.

4. Temporary removal from the classroom.

5. Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen or damaged property.

6. In-school suspension.

7. After-school study provided the student’s parent/guardian has been notified. (If transportation arrangements cannot be made in advance, an alternative disciplinary measure will be assigned to the student.)

8. Community service.

9. Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of the personal property that was used to violate school rules.

10. Suspension of bus riding privileges.

11. Suspension from school and all school activities for up to 10 days. A suspended student is prohibited from being on school grounds.

12. Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years. An expelled student is prohibited from being on school grounds.

13. Transfer to an alternative program if the student is expelled or otherwise qualifies for transfer under State law.

14. Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves criminal activity, such as, illegal drugs (controlled substances), “look-alikes,” alcohol or weapons or in other circumstances as authorized by the reciprocal reporting agreement between the District and local law enforcement agencies.

The above list of disciplinary measures is a range of options that will not always be applicable in every case. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to avoid suspending or expelling a student because behavioral interventions, other than a suspension or expulsion, will not be appropriate and available, and the only reasonable and practical way to resolve the threat and/or address the disruption is a suspension or expulsion.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out and Physical Restraint

Isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint shall only be used if the student’s behavior presents an imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others and other less restrictive and intrusive measures were tried and proven ineffective in stopping it. The school may not use isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint as discipline or punishment, convenience for staff, retaliation, a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support, a routine safety matter, or to prevent property damage in the absence of imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others. The use of prone restraint is prohibited.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is prohibited in all circumstances. Corporal punishment is defined as a discipline method in which a person deliberately inflicts pain upon a student in response to the student's unacceptable behavior or inappropriate language, with an aim or set an example for others. It includes slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as permitted by State law.

Weapons Prohibition

A student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year but not more than 2 calendar years:

(1) A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961. The expulsion period may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.

(2) A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including “look alikes” of any firearm as defined above.
The expulsion requirement may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.

Gang & Gang Activity Prohibited

“Gang” is defined as any group, club or organization of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. No student on or about school property or at any school activity or whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to a school activity, shall: (1) wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia or other items which reasonably could be regarded as gang symbols; commit any act or omission, or use either verbal or non‐verbal gestures, or handshakes showing membership or affiliation in a gang; or (2) use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interest of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to, soliciting others for membership in any gangs; (3) request any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidate, harass or threaten any person; (4) commit any other illegal act or other violation of district policies, (5) or incite other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.

Re-Engagement of Returning Students

The building principal or designee shall meet with a student returning to school from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion or alternative school setting. The goal of this meeting shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusion and shall include an opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make-up missed work for equivalent academic credit.

Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, & Harassment

Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important district and school goals.

Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, physical appearance, socioeconomic status, academic status, order of protection status, homelessness, actual or marital status, parenting status, pregnancy, parenting status, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:

1. During any school-sponsored education program or activity.

2. While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.

3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.

4. Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a non-school-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the school district or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school.

Bullying includes cyber-bullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

1. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;

2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;

3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or

4. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Cyberbullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photo-electronic system, or photo-optical system, including without limitation electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive.

Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the building principal, nondiscrimination coordinator, district complaint manager or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. All school staff members are available for help with a bully or to make a report about bullying. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the district complaint manager or any staff member. Anonymous reports are also accepted by phone call or in writing.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: 
Dr. Shawn Schleizer, Superintendent
Address:  10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016    
Telephone:  847.299.1900

Complaint Managers:
Dr. Jake Chung, Assistant Superintendent 
Kristina Oprishenko, Special Education Facilitator, Anti-Bullying Specialist
Address:  10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016    
Telephone:  847.299.1900

A  reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. A student’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.

A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the school’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.

Students and parents/guardians are also encouraged to read the following school district policies: 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited and 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment.

Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the school shall make diligent efforts to notify a parent or guardian within 24-hours after the school’s administration is made aware of a student’s involvement in an alleged bullying incident. The term “bullying incident” includes individual instances of bullying, as well as all threats, suggestions, or instances of self-harm determined to be a result of bullying. Notification to a parent or guardian shall include, as appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures.

Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

Discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin negatively affects a student’s ability to learn and an employee’s ability to work. Providing an educational and workplace environment free from such discrimination and harassment is an important District and School goal. The District and School do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, or national origin in any of its education programs or activities and comply with federal and State non-discrimination laws.

Examples of Prohibited Conduct

Examples of conduct that may constitute discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin include: disciplining students more harshly and frequently because of their race, color, or national origin; denying students access to high-rigor academic courses, extracurricular activities, or other educational opportunities based on their race, color, or national origin; denying language services or other educational opportunities to English learners; and assigning students special education services based on a student's race, color, or national origin.

Harassment is a form of prohibited discrimination. Examples of conduct that may constitute harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin include: the use of racial, ethnic or ancestral slurs or stereotypes; taunts; name-calling; offensive or derogatory remarks about a person's actual or perceived race, color, or national origin; the display of racially-offensive symbols; racially-motivated physical threats and attacks; or other hateful conduct.

Making a Report or Complaint; Investigation Process

Individuals are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidences of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Reports will be processed under the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Reports and complaints of discrimination or harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment.

Federal and State Agencies

If the District fails to take necessary corrective action to stop harassment based on race, color, or national origin, further relief may be available through the Illinois Dept. of Human Rights (IDHR) or the U.S. Dept. of Education's Office for Civil Rights. To contact IDHR, go to: https://dhr.illinois.gov/about-us/contact-idhr.html or call (312) 814-6200 (Chicago) or (217) 785-5100 (Springfield).

Prevention and Response Program

The District maintains a prevention and response program to respond to complaints of discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, including harassment, and retaliation. The program includes procedures for responding to complaints which:

1. Reduce or remove, to the extent practicable, barriers to reporting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;

2. Permit any person who reports or is the victim of an incident of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to be accompanied when making a report by a support individual of the person's choice who complies with the District's policies and rules;

3. Permit anonymous reporting, except that an anonymous report may not be the sole basis of any disciplinary action;

4. Offer remedial interventions or take such disciplinary action as may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis;

5. Offer, but do not require or unduly influence, a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation the option to resolve allegations directly with the accused; and

6. Protects a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation from suffering adverse consequences as a result of a report of, investigation of, or a response to the incident.

Enforcement

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion, consistent with the student discipline information in this handbook.

Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints, participating in the complaint process, or otherwise providing information about discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited.

Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

Harassment Prohibited

No person, including a school district employee, agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate, or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity ; gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; physical appearance; socioeconomic status; academic status; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, sexual, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, stalking, sexual violence, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.  

Sexual Harassment Prohibited (Title IX)

The School and District shall provide an educational environment free of verbal, physical, or other conduct or communications constituting harassment on the basis of sex as defined and otherwise prohibited by State and federal law.

A District employee, agent, or student violates this prohibition whenever that person engages in conduct on the basis of sex that causes another person to be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity operated by the District. Sex discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of sex, stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.

Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the term teen dating violence occurs whenever a student who is 13 to 19 years of age uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control an individual in the dating relationship; or uses or threatens to use sexual violence in the dating relationship.

Making a Report or Complaint

Students are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidents of bullying, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: 
Dr. Shawn Schleizer, Superintendent

Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Jake Chung, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Complaint Managers:
Dr. Jake Chung, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Erin Sterling, Director of Multilingual Services
10150 Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
847.299.1900

Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to discipline.

Investigation Process

Reports and complaints of discrimination or harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment.

Enforcement

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion, consistent with the student discipline information in this handbook.

Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent/guardian, invitee, etc. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints, participating in the complaint process, or otherwise providing information about discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited.

Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

School officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates a school disciplinary rule or policy. In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allow school officials to make a factual determination.

School officials may not request or require a student or his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website. Search and Seizure 7:140